LARGO — A $25 million project to move City Hall back downtown took a small step forward Oct. 15 when city commissioners gave staff the green light to negotiate a contract with its top-ranked architectural firm for the first phase of the undertaking.

ST. PETERSBURG — When Kira Stone first moved to Pinellas Park seven years ago, she was excited to discover a St. Petersburg-based zombie flash mob group that dances to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”

LARGO — City leaders think Central Park is the heart of Largo, and now they want everyone else to know it, too.

LARGO — City officials tore down a house Oct. 14 in what they say is an effort to build up a neighborhood. 

LARGO — Largo Police officials say they hold the department to a high standard, and the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation agrees. 

Twenty years ago, a group of gardeners formed an artistic gardening co-op, dubbing themselves the Garden Fairies. Hailing mostly from northern Pinellas County, the group worked in the garden together and discussed everything from environmental issues to the plants they were growing. Two decades later, these talented, arts-loving gardeners have switched gears, making a name for themselves as a team of wearable art creators. Their work is the centerpiece of the upcoming Bay-2-Bay Wearable Art Exhibit at Creative Pinellas.

LARGO — It doesn’t take long for someone driving down Ulmerton Road to spot a pet store sign displaying puppies for sale.

LARGO — A local development group thought the east side of Largo would be a prime spot for a Topgolf-style destination that combines a high-tech driving range with bar and restaurant. The plan was drawn up, the neighbors had been informed and, after months of work, the project was moving forward. 

LARGO — Work has begun on a project that aims to transform the southwest corner of Seminole Boulevard and West Bay Drive into a downtown plaza.

Mark Grifone organizes the Warehouse of Horrors in Largo each Halloween, but he is much more Santa Claus than Grim Reaper. That’s because Grifone and about three dozen of his fellow employees at Forensic Technology, Inc., have scared up more than $40,000 for charities in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties the past three years by transforming the company’s warehouse into 10,000 square feet of terror.

Halloween isn’t until the end of the month, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait that long to dress up or get down in celebration of the spooky holiday. Largo is filled with events for participants of all ages, including the annual Spooktacular event, which will draw thousands of trick or …

CLEARWATER — It was only appropriate that this year’s Central Pinellas Chamber of Commerce citizen of the year would take a curtain call Sept. 20 during the 67th annual meeting and awards breakfast at the Sheraton Sand Key in Clearwater.

LARGO — Community Health Centers of Pinellas sees about 60,000 patients each year for about 200,000 visits.

LARGO — City commissioners decided compromise was the best course of action Sept. 17 when they voted 6-1 to bend the rules so two Walmart supercenters could use outdoor storage containers during the holiday season.

“Climate change is not a lie; do not let our planet die,” they chanted repeatedly. Also, “Burn Wall Street, not our water.” A group of 30 to 40 Largo High School students demonstrated in front of Largo City Hall Sept. 20, encouraging local government leaders to support actions that address climate change.

LARGO — Mobile home parks are a breeding ground for code violations, unlicensed contractors and unsafe practices, according to city of Largo Community Standards Manager Tracey Schofield.

The question of whether to stick with the city’s rules or give Largo’s two Walmart supercenters an early holiday gift by temporarily allowing outdoor storage containers proved to be a tough one for the City Commission to answer.

LARGO — An eXceptional performance of a Disney classic has arrived in Largo.

LARGO — Unless city leaders have a sudden change of heart, the property tax rate for fiscal year 2020 will take a dip. 

LARGO — In the past decade, the city of Largo has spent more than $80 million on upgrades to its stormwater and wastewater systems in an effort to cut down on sewage overflows. For the most part, the efforts have paid off, significantly reducing the overflows that had plagued the city.

LARGO — When a new Hilton hotel opens across the street from Largo Mall next summer, hungry visitors won’t have to travel far for a burger, fries or wings.

LARGO — The first part of a two-phase project to transform Rosery Road into a multimodal corridor is finally on the verge of getting underway.

LARGO — Collecting business taxes in a city the size of Largo is not an easy job for members of the Community Development department.

LARGO — City commissioners paved the way for a project to repair and improve the downtown section of West Bay Drive on Aug. 20 when they voted 6-0 to award a $3.51 million contract to David Nelson Construction Co.

The new Bridge Dance Complex in downtown Largo is bustling with activity and vibrant young faces. City officials hope that atmosphere will translate to the rest of West Bay Drive as they prepare for a series of projects they say will revitalize the area by making it more attractive, walkable and safer.

LARGO — A longtime friendship will be renewed and some new ones will likely be created in November when 22 representatives from Largo’s sister city in Japan will visit to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the bond between the two cities. 

LARGO — By the end of the year, the southwest corner of West Bay Drive and Seminole Boulevard is expected to have a whole new look.

LARGO — A project at the wastewater treatment plant that once was estimated to cost $4 million could now cost more than double that, city commissioners learned Aug. 6 during a meeting at City Hall. 

Jon Weaver’s pinball obsession started early. By the time he was 9 years old, he was busing tables at his father’s restaurant in Indiana. He earned 25 cents for each table he cleared and he used the money to play the pinball machines that stood at the front of the restaurant.

LARGO — An 8 1/2-foot-tall steel crest that had graced the front of Largo High School’s auditorium for 50 years has found a new home at Heritage Village. 

LARGO — After more than a year of negotiations, the city of Largo and the firefighters union reached a deal on enhanced benefits that both sides say will help improve morale, recruitment and retention problems that have been mounting since the recession. 

LARGO — On what would have been Jordan Belliveau’s third birthday, state Rep. Chris Latvala announced July 29 during a news conference at the Largo Police Department that he will refile “Jordan’s Law” in the 2020 legislative session.